EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
“Nothing anywhere else is like them…
…their vast glittering openness, wider than the enormous visible round of the horizon, the racing free saltness and sweetness of their massive winds, under the dazzling blue heights of space. They are unique also in the simplicity, the diversity, the related harmony of the forms of life they enclose. “
— MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS (The Everglades: River of Grass, 1947)
Welcome to the Ultimate Everglades Trip Planning Guide
Everglades National Park is not a swamp — it’s a slow-moving river of grass! This is the largest subtropical wilderness in America, and it was created to protect a critical habitat that supports creatures of all kinds. Be on the lookout for alligators, crocodiles, manatees, birds, and even the elusive Florida panther.
Whether you are a casual traveler or an avid outdoorsman, you can find adventures within the unique Everglades landscape. It’s your turn to experience this incredible place — it’s your turn to discover its magic.
EVERGLADES AT-A-GLANCE
Location: Florida
What It’s Famous For: Alligators, airboats, and birdwatching
Highest Elevation You Can Reach on Foot: 70 feet above sea level (Shark Valley Observation Tower)
Established: December 6, 1947 — this is national park #32
Size: 1.5 million acres
Crowd Levels: Moderate, with around 1 million visitors per year
COMMON EVERGLADES TRIP PLANNING QUESTIONS
Where is Everglades NP, and how do I get there?
Everglades National Park encompasses a huge amount of land on the southernmost tip of Florida. It is 1 hour from Miami, 4 hours from Orlando, and 6 hours from Jacksonville.
I suggest flying into Miami. In this article, I share details about the best airports and roads in the area.
Is Everglades NP open year-round?
Everglades National Park is open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. However, the most popular area of the park has a gate that gets locked during certain hours!
Learn more about the weather, hours, and common closures that may affect your trip to the park.
How many days should I spend in the Everglades?
I recommend spending at least three full days in the park if you want to see the can’t-miss sights and explore each of the park’s unique areas.
See my recommendations for the amount of time to spend in the Everglades, as well as how to split your time between multiple parks.
When is the best time to visit the Everglades?
When choosing the best time to visit the Everglades, you’ll want to consider things like what’s open, crowd levels, and weather.
Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:
- Beat the crowds: April or November
- Travel during the summer: June
- See lots of wildlife: January or February
- Go backpacking: February or March
- Save money: May or November
- Have a unique adventure: December
This article provides a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect in the Everglades — including information on weather, closures, crowds, and which points of interest will be open.
THINGS TO DO IN THE EVERGLADES
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit
- Anhinga Trail
- Pa-hay-okee Overlook
- Flamingo Marina
- Nike Missile Base
- Mahogany Hammock Trail
- Shark Valley
- Birdwatching
- Gumbo Limbo Trail
- Ranger-led Adventure
- Airboat Tour
This popular article outlines each can’t-miss spot in the Everglades in great detail. You’ll learn about the important things you need to know about each stop, and driving directions are included.
The Best Things to Do In the Everglades:
IF YOU LOVE RANGER PROGRAMS
- Slough slog
- Canoe tour
- Nike Missile Site
WITH KIDS
- Shark Valley tram tour
- Flamingo Marina
- Boat tour
IF YOU DON’T WANT TO HIKE
- Canoeing
- Boat tour
- Biking
IN A WHEELCHAIR
- Anhinga Trail
- Gumbo Limbo Trail
- Guided tour
This massive list of things to do in the Everglades will cover any adventure you need for your group.
In addition to the items mentioned above, it also includes high-adventure activities, things to do with a dog, biking, things to do with kids, best hikes, and more. There’s something for everyone!
The Best Easy Hikes
Looking for good beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, or wheelchair-friendly trail options? This list details the best easy hikes in the Everglades.
Dog-friendly Activities
Learn about all the places you can bring your dog in and around the Everglades.
LODGING IN THE EVERGLADES
Where Should I Stay?
This article provides information on the gateway towns and lodging options in the Everglades area.
All About Camping
Learn all about the campgrounds in Everglades National Park and how to snag a site.
GETTING AROUND EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Cars and Oversized Vehicles
You can drive to all viewpoint and trailhead parking areas with your own car or RV! This park is easily managed in your own vehicle — the parking lots usually have space for all types of vehicles.
Thanks for using the Ultimate Everglades Trip Planning Guide
You may also be interested in one of these nearby national parks:
Biscayne National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
Disclosure: This Everglades Trip Planning Guide may contain affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you) I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase. I don’t recommend anything that I don’t personally love and use myself! Thanks for your support. — Ash